News Summary
Walt Disney World Resort has revealed a detailed refurbishment schedule affecting numerous attractions and hotels until 2026. Key closures include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Astro Orbiter, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin for extensive upgrades. Additionally, changes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom will bring new themed lands and experiences. Guests should be prepared for potential impacts on their trips and accommodate changes as Disney enhances its offerings to improve guest experiences.
Orlando, Florida – Walt Disney World Resort has announced a comprehensive refurbishment schedule affecting multiple attractions and hotels through 2026. The extensive renovation plan aims to enhance guest experiences, but it may also lead to scheduled ride and attraction closures, which could impact vacation plans for visitors.
Beginning January 2025, significant closures include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which will undergo refurbishment and is expected to reopen in 2026 with new enhancements. The Astro Orbiter is set to close from January 13, 2025, until summer 2025, while Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will close in August 2025 for major upgrades, reopening in 2026 with new scenes, vehicles, and improved targets and laser guns.
Major developments are also taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Muppets Courtyard is slated to close during the summer of 2025 to make way for a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. Additionally, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will undergo refurbishment in late 2025 or early 2026, transitioning to a retheming of The Muppets.
In the Magic Kingdom, as of July 7, 2025, Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat will be closed for a Cars expansion in Frontierland. Meanwhile, the Walt Disney World Railroad will operate in “shuttle mode” between Main Street and Fantasyland stations due to the Frontierland station’s temporary closure. Changes have been made to accommodate guests prone to motion sickness; some benches are being relocated for their comfort.
Disney continues to focus on guest experiences with upcoming openings. A new Disney Jr. show and an attraction titled The Magic of Disney Animation is set to debut in the Star Wars: Launch Bay location in 2026. In a shift from its usual alternating schedule, Walt Disney World’s two water parks will operate together during summer 2025. Additionally, a new adults-only lounge named GEO-82 will open on June 4, 2025, themed after Spaceship Earth, offering a selection of snacks, cocktails, and views of the World Celebration gardens.
Permanent closures are also on the horizon; the beloved It’s Tough to Be a Bug closed on March 17, 2025, paving the way for the opening of Zootopia: Better Zoogether on November 7, 2025. Additionally, the Boneyard will close permanently on September 2, 2025, and a new Tropical Americas land is projected to open in 2027 following the construction of DINOSAUR’s replacement attraction, an Indiana Jones ride, starting January 13, 2025.
The refurbishment schedule also includes several other attractions that will undergo routine maintenance. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid will close on July 21, 2025, and is expected to reopen six days later on July 26, 2025. Spaceship Earth is projected to close for maintenance on August 25, 2025, with a reopening expected later in the year, while the Hall of Presidents is currently closed without a set reopening date. Prairie Outpost & Supply in Magic Kingdom will reopen on June 30, 2025, after being shuttered since March 2020. In the meantime, Test Track is also undergoing construction, with an anticipated reopening on July 22, 2025.
This refurbishment agenda illustrates Disney’s commitment to maintaining and improving its attractions to ensure high-quality experiences for guests. Visitors planning trips to Walt Disney World Resort should remain aware of these updates to navigate potential impacts on their attractions and accommodations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Permanently Close DINOSAUR Ride
Additional Resources
- WDW Magazine: Disney World Refurbishment Schedule
- Wikipedia: Disney World
- Disney Tourist Blog: Major Magic Kingdom & EPCOT Ride Refurbishments
- Google Search: Disney World refurbishments
- Blog Mickey: Power Surge Causes Attraction Closures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disney World
- AOL: Radiator Springs Racers Closing
- Google News: Disneyland closures
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
